A/N This is one of my favorite chapters so far. It's all about Elena, and I love the way she's shaping up. Next chapter we'll see some Quileute pack action.

I just got back from hiking a volcano in southern Chile, and oh my gosh, if you get the opportunity, climb Volcan Villarrica. It's a hard hike, but soo gorgeous.

Please keep up the great reviews and let me know if there's anything you wanna see. I know how this story ends, but I'm still coming up with in-between action.

Enjoy! :)

Jacob and I were out the door at the crack of dawn the next morning, already dying to see Elena again. I couldn't be jealous anymore, because my fascination for her had only increased since we left her reservation yesterday, so obviously Jacob would be just as curious. Edward and Bella wanted to escort us to the boundary line since we knew only so much about them, but we assured them that we were fine on our own and reminded them that we posed less of a threat than the full-vampires of the coven. We promised to call once we made it safely.

Once we reached the edge of the woods, our enthusiasm escalated and we broke into a sprint, laughing giddily as the wind and the trees rushed passed us. We had no idea if Elena would be up yet, but surely at least three of her tribe were running patrol and would let us through.

Sure enough, two girls and one guy met us close to the border, still wary of us but not about to attack. "We're here to see Elena," I said softly, shaping my words into a polite request.

One of the girls nodded. "She's by the lake, to the north. She likes to start her day at peace with the natural world, so don't interrupt her until she opens her eyes," she instructed.

Jacob and I glanced at each other. Jake never took his duties this seriously, but his style of leadership was just as effective as hers, I supposed.

They let us cross the invisible boundary line and we slowly, respectfully, made our way toward the lake.

Elena was indeed there, sitting cross-legged and facing the sunrise. As we approached her, I couldn't help but appreciate her beauty as I had when I first saw her in her elk form. She was dressed in a different shift today, made of light blue material with a brown sash around her waist, but in the morning light she was like a nymph. Even without the warning of the Arikara, I would never have disturbed her, because she looked perfectly at peace.

We sat silently in front of her, with all the grace of a supernatural being, and waited.

Elena opened her eyes a few heartbeats later and beamed when she saw us. "Nessie! Jacob!" she exclaimed. She extended a hand to each of us and squeezed ours warmly. "I hoped that you would return today. What with summer vacation, I could use a little excitement!" Her eyes danced as she took in our forms.

I smiled back. "We could hardly wait to see you," I confessed. "We wanted to make sure that yesterday was real."

Our new friend laughed joyfully. "I wished the same," she replied. "It is not every day that I meet two new marvels of the supernatural world. You have given me the greatest surprise of my life."

It was funny, listening to Elena speak so formally, but I recognized her words as natural eloquence on her part. Her voice rang with sincerity, not at all like she was trying to decide how to act around strangers. The way she watched us, we had known each other for centuries.

Jacob spoke now. "Do you sit here every morning?" he wondered.

"Yes," she answered simply. "I share the voices of my entire herd and have frequent meetings with the Elders, so it is a relief to begin my days with solitude. Even my sleep is full of dreams. It is a cleansing process that many of our tribe participate in once a month."

"Is it a burden to you, being the leader?" I asked.

"Not at all," she smiled. "I'm actually quite thrilled to hold this position. It is an honor, a privilege, one that I believed I would never experience." Her face fell slightly, but she recovered. "I think that destiny does its best to refine us for our role."

"Was your father the last Hart?" Jacob wanted to know.

Now it was obvious that something was bothering Elena. "He was the Hart of the last generation, yes," she answered. "However, my brother held the position for a short time."

"Your brother?" he asked, surprised.

"Yes, my brother Ethan is four years older than me," Elena said. "He was the first of our generation to make the transformation, about fifteen years ago."

This news surprised me more than her revelation of an older brother. "How old are you?" I asked. I clapped a hand over my mouth. "Not that I'm trying to be rude…" I blushed.

"Not at all," she laughed shortly. "I have twenty-eight years, but I stopped aging physically when I was sixteen."

There was an awkward pause, but then Elena sighed and answered our unspoken questions. "My brother phased at the beginning of a tumultuous time, when our people most needed protection," she began. "Perhaps it is different for you wolves, but we can shift only if there is a vampire presence—that is, if a coven is within a 50-mile radius of our territory. We also lose our ability to shift when our bodies reach 30 years of age. That doesn't mean that I'll stop shifting two years from now," she hastened to explain. "My body is still sixteen, so I have a long life of transforming power ahead of me.

"Brady's coven had goaded our tribe once before," she remembered, frowning. "My father's generation drove him off for a good twenty years, but when they returned once more, his herd could no longer protect us in their spirit forms. My brother was the natural choice for Hart, so he phased almost immediately after their scent appeared in the trees once more."

Elena sighed, her face darkening with shame. "My brother didn't want this life," she whispered sadly. "He was lazy and wouldn't admit his fear of the task. He tried to quit his elk form because he feared that catching the vampires' scents would force him to change forms and that they would smell his aroma. As you've noticed, our smell does not repulse vampires as yours does, Jacob."

"Why is that?" I asked. "Shouldn't it be a defense mechanism?"

"Unfortunately, although you wolves slightly resemble your cousins, the Children of the Moon, we are naturally creatures of prey, not predators," she said matter-of-factly, although it surely must have affected her. "We still possess great strength to deter vampires, but the only advantage of our scent is to lure vampires in, to distract them."

When we didn't comment, Elena continued, her face falling yet again. "My brother was patrolling in his human form, from the trees, per my father's instruction. He didn't want to go, but since my father was the last Hart, he still possessed authority over him. Ethan smelled Brady coming and tensed, hoping the vampire wouldn't find him."

Elena bowed her head. "Two children from the village were playing too close to the border," she said brokenly. "Brady caught their scent and advanced toward them. My brother could have saved them, but he was too cowardly. He watched as Brady mutilated the two boys, but did not move for fear of his own life."

Jacob and I stared at each in horror. Not to protect one's own was like sacrilege, a disgrace, irresponsibility. "What happened to him?" I asked.

"Father banished him from the tribe," Elena answered harshly. "Such disregard of duty is not tolerable among the Arikara. Two years later, my four best friends made the transition, one after another, but defended our tribe as a coalition, without a leader."

"Why didn't one of them take the position?" Jacob asked curiously.

"In our tribe, only a direct member of the Hart bloodline can lead the herd," Elena responded. "It was strange that my friends shifted first, but we assumed that it was because Ethan had already made the change. I have two first cousins, both male, that the Elders watched closely during that time. They were certain that one of them would claim their birthright."

A smile spread slowly across her face. "They never anticipated that I would take on the role," she said proudly. "I am the first female Hart in our tribe, but once I phased, it made perfect sense. I am the most direct descendant, besides my brother, and my four greatest confidantes were already part of the herd. They were my 'wingmen,' so to speak, until they imprinted a few years ago. Now I'm flanked by my two male cousins, Wesley and Morgan, whom you met yesterday."

"Who were these friends?" I asked.

Elena's smile widened. "Philip, Anthony, Miranda, and Lily," she answered. "The five of us were inseparable from birth. We trusted each other with everything, every little detail and every great accomplishment. Our herd was very intimate then, because any new recruit saw the way I interacted with them, as if we were of one mind for more than the natural connection between shape-shifters. Our seven-year reign was one of the greatest the Arikara has ever seen." She sighed contentedly.

I hated to voice the question, but I was too curious. "Is your herd…not as intimate anymore?"

She faced me seriously. "My herd has grown considerably since my friends moved on with their soul mates; we now number over twenty. Only three of that number remember the camaraderie of the seven-year period, and two of them are my cousins. The other herd member is Kathleen, and I can safely say that she is one of my good friends now, though not nearly to the degree of my original group.

"The rest of the herd treats me with such respect that they've elevated me to someone inhuman," she explained. "I'm unapproachable to them except for herd goings-on. They perceive me as too good for them, a leader to be regarded from afar." She sighed. "I don't prefer it, but I cannot doubt their loyalty. They would willingly put their lives at risk for mine, which is all I can ask of them, though I prefer not to require that. It's the obligation of the leader." She shrugged.

"How long do you think you will lead your herd?" Jacob asked. "Have you imprinted?"

Elena shook her head. "I have not imprinted, nor have I really ventured beyond our borders," she answered. "To be perfectly honest, I'm not looking for love. I would be happy to be Hart for all of eternity, and love would only get in the way of that."

"You don't think about it, ever?" I asked skeptically. I sent Jacob some emotions and he nodded with understanding. He and I loved each other so much, we never wanted to know the feeling of being alone.

Elena pondered that. "Sometimes…" She paused. "I suppose that I wish I had a love of my life like my friends, but I have so much vitality left…." She laughed suddenly. "Sometimes I feel like I'm married to my herd. Even if they don't view me as a real person, I love them all dearly. I would give my life for them. I clean up their messes," she chuckled. "Isn't that what wives do? Besides, twenty-eight is a bit old to date in this generation."

I was struck by her words and by the renewed realization of her age. Elena had the body, voice, and enthusiasm of a sixteen-year-old, but her spirit was mature, her words insightful. I imagined that, were she not the leader of her herd, she would be a mentor for the youth of her tribe. Maybe she was. She was filled with such wisdom that I felt childish next to her, too young.

Elena glanced at me curiously. "Were you saying something just now, Nessie?" she wondered.

I frowned in confusion until I noticed that my hand still rested loosely in hers. Funny, but I hadn't noticed like I did when I held hands with my family or my human friends. I guessed that all shape-shifters ran high temperatures, just like the Quileutes.

Instead of explaining to her verbally, I spoke with my gift that I had employed inadvertently moments before. I have the power to communicate through my touch, I told her silently. When my mind wanders, I use my gift unconsciously.

Elena stared at me, shocked, before beaming delightedly. "Oh, Nessie, this is incredible!" she exclaimed.

I exchanged a look with Jacob that said, yeah, it's special, but why are you so excited?

Elena's eyes danced. "Nessie, only an exceptionally talented woman would be the imprint of an Alpha. You two must be destined for something great." Her face fell slightly and she added seriously, "So please remove those thoughts of feeling insignificant next to me from your mind. Age is not something you can control, and you are very refined for your, what, sixteen years?"

Jacob and I exchanged another glance before both of us burst out laughing. Jake fell backwards and I held my sides to ease the pain of laughing so hard. Elena laughed along but watched us with a questioning expression.

Finally our laughter subsided and I answered her question. "You know how hybrids naturally have their quirks?" Elena nodded slowly. "Well, while I am physically about seventeen years old, biologically, I will be six in September."

Our friend stared at us, mouth open wide in shock. I shrugged timidly. "I told you it was a quirk," I muttered.

Elena shook her head in wonder. "Were I not the leader of twenty-something youth that can transform into elk at will, I would never be able to accept such a supernatural marvel," she concluded. "You are definitely very special, Nessie, and I am amazed at your level of maturity. Another girl in your same circumstances would carry herself with arrogance, but I love how open you are." She squeezed my hand again. "I hope that you and I will be good friends, for as long as you live here."

I smiled warmly. Elena's words went straight to my heart and I knew without a doubt where I would start spending the majority of my free time. "It would be an honor to be your friend," I told her sincerely, using my gift to emphasize my words.

Elena stood abruptly. "I've let the time run away from me," she apologized. "I have some herd business to attend to, but perhaps you two could return tomorrow, in the afternoon? I truly have missed normal company," she sighed.

I was surprised that she considered us normal, but there was no doubt in my mind where Jacob and I would be tomorrow.

"We'll be here," Jacob promised, grinning at me. Of course he and I were on the same wavelength.

Elena clasped her hands together. "Wonderful," she smiled. Something occurred to her. "Will any members of your pack be able to make it to our bonfire next Saturday?" she asked Jacob.

"I texted Sam, our other pack leader, last night," he replied. "He's going to spread the word around today, but I know of three who wouldn't miss this opportunity."

"Good," she smiled. "Ask whoever plans to come if they would like to visit our reservation a few days beforehand. I wouldn't mind easing the tension of acquainting what should be rival tribes, and perhaps they would be willing to stay a few days after to exchange legends. I find other Native American tribes' histories fascinating." Elena's eyes sparkled, so I didn't doubt her enthusiasm whatsoever. I did notice, however, that she was considering something spoken earlier, so I knew that the questions would begin anew tomorrow, this time directed toward Jacob and me.

The Hart escorted us to the border, where her same guard still patrolled. They saluted Elena and she inclined her head in return. "I will see you tomorrow. Please contact me at any time if you encounter anything suspicious. We try to monitor Brady's activities, but he has been evading us lately." She frowned, angry at Brady but concerned for her tribe.

Jacob laid a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Our entire family is keeping an eye on Brady's movements," he informed her. "As vampires, the Cullens have more or less insider's access to their plans."

Elena looked relieved. "I see why your alliance has been advantageous thus far. I look forward to working more closely with your family."

We waved good-bye and settled into a comfortable run, pondering our morning. I already loved Elena, and I knew the pack would love her, too. She had an almost magnetic appeal, her own gravity, that would compel others to follow and love her. It was definitely a strong trait to possess as a leader, and it made sense that Elena considered herself "married" to her herd.

Jacob sighed happily next to me, still maintaining his stride. "The pack isn't going to believe this," he said.

"I know," I grinned. "Another tribe of shape-shifters exist, and their leader happens to be more refined than Alpha Almighty."

He stuck his tongue out at me but his eyes danced. "Girls are naturally more refined than guys," he reminded me. "You and Elena are no exception."

For a moment I couldn't decide whether to be flattered or upset that Jake compared me to Elena. I brushed it off; it wouldn't do for our friendship to be based on envy. "She handled it pretty gracefully when I told her how old I am," I said instead.

Jacob nodded. "I guess that's one of the perks of living in an alternate universe."

I gradually slowed to a stop and looked up at my boyfriend. After eight months of dating, we still interacted with all the ease and fun of best friends, and it was at times like this that I was happy just to be in his company. I knew that I was loved just by the way he gazed into my eyes with adoration and held my hand protectively in his. Of course I loved it when he kissed me, too, but I was glad that the desire for physical affection wasn't so intense that it was all I thought about. If our relationship were purely physical, we would miss out on adventures like this one.

I stood on my tip-toes, cupped his cheek in my hand, and lightly kissed his lips, showing him my train of thought.

Jacob rumbled contentedly and kissed my hair. "The best is yet to come, Ness," he murmured, wrapping his warm arms around me. "And we'll be on this adventure for the rest of our lives."

There was nothing else to do but lean into my Jacob's chest and cherish the moment. This relationship was the chance of a lifetime, and I had longer than that to experience it. I couldn't wait for the ride.